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PHILADELPHIA 
FAIRMOUNT PARK 

General Description. Short Historical 
Sketch. Life of Robert Morris. Descrip- 
tion of all the Monuments, Works of 
Art, etc., and all the interesting 
and historical buildings in the 
Park, with Illustrations 




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Published b^ 

RICHARD C. SCHIRMER 
822 NORTH BROAD STREET, PHILADELPHIA 

(Copyrighted by RICHARD C. SCHIRMER. 1910] 



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GENERAL DESCRIPTION 

/^% NE of the largest, most interesting re- 
- I I If ^^^^^"^ its natural beauties, histor- 
I \l ■/ ical buildings and beautiful monu- 
I ^-^ ments, is the Philadelphia Fairmount 

^..^-^..^^.c^ Park. 

It is situated in the northwestern 
part of the city, divided by the river Schuylkill 
into two halves— the East and the West Park,— 
connected by a number of fine bridges as well 
as trolley cars, which start from Dauphin street 
entrance in the East Park and run to Elm avenue 
—west end of the West Park— touching all the 
interesting points ;in the Park. A number of 
steamers ply on the river during the summer 
months, starting at Green street entrance to the 
Park, stopping at all the important points in the 
East and West Park, running as far north as 
the Wissahickon Cneek. 

This grand Park contains an area of nearly 3000 
acres and is rich in its splendid monuments, 
interesting and historical buildings, a number of 
which were inhabited by some of our most emi- 
nent countrymen who took part in the Revolu- 
tion. 

_ The southern end of the Park on the eastern 
side is Callov/hill street bridge and Fairmount 

1 



Waterworks. From htre it extends north of the 
Schuylkill River in varying widths to the Wissa- 
hickon Creek. Here it branches oJff towards 
east and follows the latter stream with its beau- 
tifiil hills to the north side of Chestnut Hill. 

The West Park, that part west of the Schuyl- 
kill River, is considerably more extensive than the 
East Park. It begins above !Fairmount avenue 
and unfolds at once a beautiful scenery towards 
the river, and Lemon Hill. Thousands of people 
enjoy the delightful walks on this river front. 

On the left or Western side is the Zoological 
Garden. The main portion of the W^est Park be- 
gins on the north side of Girard avenue. Here, 
somiewhat northwest, is the location where the Cen- 
tennial Exhibition took placfe in 1876, where now 
the two large, imposing buildings stand — Memorial 
and Horticultural Halls — and further north, the 
historical building, ''Belmont," the residence of 
Judge Richard Peters. 

The first acquisition of five acres of land by the 
city, in 1812, was Old Park "Faire Mount," as this 
site was known in the earliest days. Here are sit- 
uated the Fairmount Waterworks (now abandon- 
ed and replaced by the large filter works at Tor- 
resdale on the Delav/are River, which supplies 
the whole city with filtered water). 

Following the river front, we pass the landing 
place of the steamers v/hich ply on the river; fur- 
ther east we pass the grand Washington Monu- 
ment; further towards Lemon Hill the Lincoln 
Monvmient. From here and beyond all is hill and 
raA^ne, and, except the Wissahickon Valley, the 
Park has no more picturesque and romantic spots, 
being dotted with Colonial mansions rich in story. 

Following the Eastern Drive, we pass the eques- 
trian statute of General Grant, "Mount Pleasant," 
built by Captain McPherson, in 1761, once ithe 
home of Benedict Arnold, the military command- 
er of Philadelphia, (pronounced the most elegant 

2 



seat in Pennsylvania at that time); "Rockland," 
built in iSio on a promontory from which there 
is a beautiful view of the river. Farther on, we 
pass "Ormiston," "Randolph," the old Woodford 
mansion noted for its Franklin trees. Here is the 
entrance to the Park trolley station. North of it 
is Strawberry Mansion, now a restaurant, where 
during the summer months concerts are given. 
Following the East Drive northward, it will bring 
us to the mouth of the Wissahickon Creek. 

The Wissahickon (name of Indian origin) Val- 
ley, more than ten miles long, is one of the most 
interesting parts of the Park. Travelers who have 
seen much of the world pronounce the scenery 
along the Wissahickon to be the most charming 
in the world. The creek winds in short curves 
for miles between thickly wooded hills, frequent- 
ly divided into romantic gorges, with little streams 
dashing down, in rapid rifts and small cascades. 
An author expresses himself happily — 

"There is a quiet loveliness attached to e/vevy 
foot of this portion of the Park which leaves a 
deep impression and which grows with each suc- 
ceeding visit." In this valley there are a num- 
ber of inns in Colonial style, with large verandas, 
which harmonize beautifully with the surround- 
ings. Row-boats may also be hired and families 
come here for a day, enjoying themselves with 
every kind of diversion and amusement. 

In the northern part of the West Park is ''Bel- 
mont," an historical building. This was the es- 
tate of Judge Richard Peters, Secretary of the 
Continental Board of War during the Revolution, 
while his friend, Robert Morris, of Lemon Hill, 
was practically Secretary of the Treasury. 

Belmont is now used as a restaurant, and, dur- 
ing the summer months, concerts are held here. 
Nearby is the station of the Park trolley line. The 
part of the Park north of Belmont Mansion 

3 



spreads out in a spacious area of iiills and dales and 
beautiful woodlands. 

George's Hill, an eminence 210 feet high, west 
of Belmont Mansion, from which one can obtain 
a delightful view of West Philadelphia, is a fav- 
orite resort for picnic parties. At its foot is the 
allegorical fountain erected by the Catholic To- 
tal Abstinence Society. 

North of Bfclmont is the old mansion called 
"Chamounix," nearby a natural lake with a large 
number of pleasure boats used by picnic parties. 

In a southwestern direction from Belmont we 
see the grounds of the Centennial Exhibition, 
which took place in 1876. The only two remain- 
ing buildings are Memorial Hall and Horticul- 
tural Hall, put up with the intention that they 
should be permanent buildings. All the other 
buildings of the Exhibition were torn down. This 
is the brightest spot in the Park. Near Horticul- 
tural Hall stands the Columbus ^lonument and 
monuments dedicated to the poets Schiller and 
Goethe. On the east side are the monuments 
Religious Liberty, Witherspoon and busts of Ver- 
di, Schubert and Haydn. East of the Memorial 
Hall are the equestrian statue of General Meade 
and the Smith Memorial. Towards Girard avenue 
bridge is the reHc called "William Penn House." 
This structure was erected in the year 1682 and 
for many years was used as the State House of 
the Province of Pennsylvania. In 1883 ^^ ^^as tak- 
en from its original site in Letitia street. 

Somewhat towards the river stands the old 
"Sweet Briar" mansion, built about 1810 by Sam- 
ud Breck, an eminent citizen at that period. 
''Sweet Briar" commands a very pretty view of 
the river. 

South of Girard avenue bridge is the Zoolog- 
ical Garden. This ground was called "Solitude" 
and was the property of John Penn. A small 

4 



villa which he occupied stands now in the Zoo- 
logical Garden. 

The Park abounds in natural beauties, and vis- 
itors will find every part of it interesting-. There 
are many springs of clear water, embellished by 
stone masonry, and a number of small streams flow 
into the Schuylkill River. The Park is espe- 
cially beautiful in the spring, with its large va- 
riety of wild flowers, while the front of Horticul- 
tural Hall presents in the Spring a most beautiful 
picturewith its thousands of hyacinths, tulips and 
narcissi, and its magnificent beds of rare roses. 



HISTORICAL SKETCH OF 
FAIRMOUNT PARK 

»h ^JT HE vast and magnificent pleasure 

if ■ ground to which the name of "Fair- 

^F^ mount Park" has been given was 

^■^ not the outgrowth of any sugges- 

>^.,^>^..^ tion that it would ever be possible 
to obtain nearly 3000 acres of land 
on the banks of the Schuylkill for public use. 

It is well known that the first purchase of 
ground at Fairmount was made June 28, 1812, 
when five acres were obtained for $16,666. The 
Councils saw that there was opportunity for lay- 
ing out and cultivating a garden which would al- 
ways be a favorite place for pubHc resort. Addi- 
tional ground was purchased with the intention to 
keep the water of the Schuylkill clear from im- 
purities from time to time until the reservation 
comprised 24 acres. In 1854, Lemon Hill, 45 
acres, were bought at the cost of $75,000. In 
1855, Councils passed the ordinance dedicating 
Lemon Hill for the purpose of a pubHc park, to 
be known as ''Fairmount Park." In 1857 Sedglley 
was added to the Fairmount Park. Soon after, 
Lansdowne, 140 acres, on the west side of the 
Schuylkill, was sold to the city for $84,950. In 
1867, City Councils declared that the title and 
ownership of certain ground on the west side of 
the river Schuylkill should be vested in the City of 
Philadelphia to be laid out and maintained forever 
as an open public place or park for the health and 
enjoyment of the people. In 1866 and 1869 the 
Park was further increased by extending the ter- 
ritory to the present bounds. 

Jurisdiction on this large tract of land was so 
far shared between the chief engineer of the water- 
works and the City Commissioner of City proper- 
tv. In due time the Fairmount Park Commission 



was organized, composed of the Mayor of the 
City, Presidents of Select and Common Councils, 
the Commissioner of City property, the chief en- 
gineer and surveyor, the chief engineer of the 
waterworks, together with five citizens appointed 
for 5 years by the District Court and five citizens 
for the same period of time by the Court of Com- 
mon Pleas. The Commissioners were authorized 
to negotiate and agree with the owners of the 
ground within the space specified for the purchase 
thereof, and, if no agreement could be made, to 
introduce proceedings to condemn the ground and 
award damages. 

The first Park Commission was composed of 
Morton McMichafcl, Mayor of the City ; J. Spering, 
President of Select Council; J. F. Marcer, Presi- 
dent of Common Council; Charles Divers, Com- 
missioner of City Property; S. Kneass, Chief En- 
gineer and Surveyor ; F. Graf?, (the second)* Chief 
Engineer of the Waterworks, and the following 
citizens : E. K. Price, J. Welsh, W. Selldrs, J. Har- 
rison, Jr., J. C. Cresson, appointed by the District 
Court; ,N. B. Browne, Th. Cuyler, H. W. Phil- 
lips, G. Remak and Major General George G. 
Meade, appointed by the Court of Common Pleas. 
Mayor M. McMichael was elected President. 

On April 14, 1868, the Assembly directed that 
the Park Commissioners should appropriate the 
shores of the Wissahickon CrGek, on both sides of 
the same, from ,the mouth to Paul's Mill Creek. 

The ornamentation of the Park to any considera- 
ble degree by the acquisition of works of art was 
an object from the beginning of the jurisdiction of 
the Park Commissioners. Knowledge of this fact 
and a desire to add to the appearance of the grounds 
by works of art and beauty led to the formation 
in 1871 of a society under the name of the "Fair- 
mount Park Art Association." The Society was in- 
corporated on February 2, 1872. The object in 
the charter was the accumulation of a fund by 



means of annual contributions of fixed sums of 
money by the members thereof, and by legacies, 
donations, etc., which fund should be devoted to 
and expended in adorning Fairmount Park with 
statues, busts and other works of art. At the 
meeting on December i8, 1895, it was reported 
that up to that time the Association had obtained 
25 principal objects of decoration, ''monuments, 
statues, fountains," etc. 

Although the acquisition of the Fairmount Park 
began as early as 181 2, the real movement — which 
is now of great magnitude — was begun about 1880 
by Professor Meehan, an eminent botanist and a 
member of Common Council from Germantown. 
Through him the City Park Association was form- 
ed, and through him and this organization and the 
newspapers public sentiment was aroused to such 
an extent that within a number of years more than 
$500,000 has been spent annually by the City on 
the Park for improvement and enlargement of the 
same. 

In 1878, the Park Commissioners reported that 
all the lands purchased by them or valued for 
purchase were worth $6,105,069. 

The area of the Park is estimated at 2791 
acres; divided into — the Old Park 117 acres, East 
Park, 510 acres, West Park, 1232 acres, Wissahick- 
on, 416 acres, — water surface, 373 acres, — area of 
the park proper, 2648 acres, area of outlying plots, 
143 acres; in all 2791 acres. 



* Note. In the year 1812, Frederick Graff and John 
Davis were directed to examine the best modes for 
procuring water for the City. These two men selected 
Morris Hill (Fairmount) as location best suited for 
this purpose. A dam was built across the Schuylkill, 
which, at the same time, improved the navigation of 
the river, and now the erection of the works to throw 
water into the basins by water power alone and to pump 
the necessary water into reservoirs on said hill could 
begin. The dam was finished July, 1821, and first 
wheel and pump were put in operation in July, 1822. 

8 



Tlie Park contains such a llarge number of 
lare trees and plants that it well deserves to be 
given also the appellation of a botanical garden. 

In the report of the Park Commissioners, we 
are told that 5,365,000 persons entered the Park 
on foot during the year. Of horse-back riders, 
there were 64,000; of vehicles of all kinds, 1,131,- 
900. Every year the number of visitors to the 
Park increases. Among the pedestrians are many 
who have means to ride whenever they desire to 
do so, but prefer walking. Those who do not 
walk in the Park know nothing of its wooded in- 
closures and shaded paths. There are portions 
even in the neighborhood of such well known points 
as L.ansdowne, George's Hill and Belmont which 
are of great beauty and of which the carriage driv- 
ing park visitors know nothing. The Park in 
summer time, and, indeed, in all seasons of the 
year, is a glory to the city. 



~-l 



SKETCH OF LIFE OF ROBERT MORRIS 

^^d THINK it will be interesting to hear 
Jim something of this important man, 
1^1 who, a century and a half ago, was 
^--^ the owner of Lemon Hill and part 
of the land north of Girard avenue 
bridge, called at that time ''Hills of 
Schuylkill." Robert Morris, the financier of the 
American Revolution, was born in Liverpool, Eng- 
land, in 1733. He came to Philadelphia at an early 
age and entered the counting-house of Charles Wil- 
ling. In 1754, at the age of twenty years, he form- 
ed a partnership with Charles Willing's son, which 
lasted until 1793. Tile firm of Willing & Morris 
became the largest impOFting 'house. 

The appointment of Robert Morris by the As- 
sembly of Pennsyftrania, 1775, as one of the dele- 
gates to the Second Congress was his first entrance 
into important public lifie. Soon afterwards he 
was made chairman of the Secret Committee, to 
contract for importation of arms and ammunition. 
The same year he was designated as one of the 
committee to devise ways and means for furnish- 
ing thq Colonies with naval armanlents. 

In April, 1776, Robert Morris was especially 
commissioned to negotiate bills of exchange and to 
take other measures to procure money for the Con- 
gress. 

In a letter from Hills of Schuylkill, Morris wrote 
to J. Reed: 'T have uniformly voted against the 
Declaration of Independence because, in my poor 
opinion, it was an improper time, for it caused di- 
vision when we wanted union . . . It is the 
duty of every individual to act his part in whatever 
station his country may call him, in hours of diffi- 
culty, danger and distress ... I think that 
the individual who declines the service of his coun- 
try because its councils are not conformable to ^his 
ideas, makes but a bad subject." Subsequently, on 

10 



the 2d of August, when the engrossed Declaration 
was laid on the table to be signed, he subscrib3d 
with firm hand and unfaltering heart his signature 
to our Magna Charta. 

In December, 1776, when Congress retired to 
Baltimore on the approach of Cornwallis, a commit- 
tee of Morris, Clyrtler and Walton was appointed 
to remain in Philadelphia, with jextensive power to 
execute all necessary public business. It was just 
at this period that Washington wrote to Morris 
from above Trenton that unless he had a certain 
amount of spiecie at jonce he would be unable to keep 
the army together and could not foretell the result. 
Morris, on his personal credit, borrowed a sufficient 
sum, forwarded it to Washington, and enabled him 
to finish the victory over the Hessians at Trenton 
by his success at Princeton. 

On December 13, Morris was -again re-elected to 
Congress, and on the 9th of July, 1778, led the 
Pensylvania delegation in signing the lArticles of 
Confederation and Perpetual Union between the 
States, under which the government was carried on 
until supplanted, (ten years later, by the Constitution 
of the. United States. 

In spring, 1780, he organized the Bank of ^Penn- 
sylvania to supply army with provision, to which 
he subscribed 10,000 pounds. 

Early in the year, 1781, Congress found it nec- 
essary to organize the Executive Department of 
the Government, and, whatever may have been 
thought in regard to the candidates for taking 
charge of the finances, the public sentiment every- 
where pointed to Robert Morris, whose great ex- 
perience and success as merchant, ardor in the 
cause of American liberty, firmness of character, 
fertility of mental resouraes and profound knowl- 
edge of pecuniary operations, qualified him in a de- 
gree far beyond any other person for this arduous 
and responsible station. Accordingly, on the 20th 
of February, 1781, he was unanimously chosen to 



office of Suplerintendent of Finance. It is impossi- 
ble to recount the duties which his appointment im- 
posed. It was a herculean task which he managed 
so as to bring order out of 'chaos, success out of 
doubt. When the exhausted credit of the govern- 
ment threatened the most alarming consequences ; 
when the army was utterly destitute of the neces- 
sary supplies of food, clothing, arms and ammu- 
nition ; when Washington almost began to fear for 
the result ; Robert Morris, upon his own credit and 
from his private resources, furnished those pecuni- 
ary means without which all physical force of the 
country would have been in vain. Without Rob- 
ert Morris the sword of Washington would have 
rusted in its sheath. A dispassionate European his- 
torian says of the American Revolution : ''Certain- 
ly, the Americans owed and still owe as much ac- 
knowledgment to the financial operation of Robert 
Morris as to the negotiations of Benjamin Franklin 
or to the arms of Washington." 

When peace had once more fallen upon the land, 
Morris was chosen a delegate to the memorable con- 
vention which me(t in Philadelphia, May 25, 1787, 
and framed the Constitution of the United States. 
It was Morris, who, on that occasion, proposed 
Washington for President. In 1788 he was chosen 
the first Senator from Pennsylvania to the first Con- 
gress of the United States under the Constitution 
which assembled in New lYork on the 4th of March, 
1789. It was mainly through his instrumentality 
that the seat of government was removed the next 
year to Philadelphia, where it remained temporarily 
for ten years, until the buildings were completed 
in the District of Columbia. 

Aftier serving his full term in the Senate, Mor- 
ris retired in 1795 from public life, speculating 
largely in unimproved lands in all sections of the 
country. In the same year he organized, with John 
Nicholson and James Greenleaf, the North Ameri- 
can Land Co., which, through the dishonesty and 

12 



rascality of Gneenleaf, finally caused his ruin and 
burdened the closing years of his life with utter 
poverty. The government, which he carried on 
his^ own shoulders through adversity into pros- 
perity, allowed him to remain from the i6th of 
February, 1798, until the 26th of August, 1801, a 
jleriod of three years, six months and ten days, an 
mmate of a debtor's prison without raising a hand 
to help him ; thus adding another link to the chain 
v^hich proves that republics are ungrateful. Mor- 
ns survi\1ed his imprisonment not quite five years 
dying the 7th of May, 1806, in his 73d year 



13 



MONUMENTS. WORKS OF ART AND 

DECORATION IN THE FAIRMOUNT 

PARK 

EAST PARK 

WASHINGTON MONUMENT. 

^y HIS beautiful and imposing monument 
/ I to the father of this country was 

^F ^ erected by the Pennsylvania Society 

^^ of the Cincinnati in 1896, and was 

unveiled by President McKinley 
amid joyous cerem^onies in which the 
whole city participated, in May, 1897. The amount 
of its cost was raised by subscription and amounted 
to about $280,000. Professor Rudolph Siemering, 
of Berlin, Germany, designed the monument. The 
thirteen steps, symbolical of the original thirteen 
States of the Union, lead up to a platform from 
which rises a pedestal of granite, rich with carving 
and bronze ornamentation. On the pedestal stands 
the equestrian figure of Washington — 20 feet high. 
This monument stands at the Green street entrance 
to the Park. 

LINCOLN MONUMENT. \^ 

On September 22, 1871 (the anniversary of the 
Proclamation of Emancipation) a bronze statue and} 
monument in memory of Abraham Lincoln was 
erected by the Lincoln Monument Association of 
Philadelphia ; unveiled and dedicated on the plateau 
near the southeast boundary of Lemon Hill. The 
artist was Randolph Cross, an American residing in 
Rome, and the casting was done in Munich. The 
cost of the statue was ^$19,300 ; of the granite basie 
$9400. The figure is colossal in size and measures 
in its sitting posture 9 feet /S inches in height, the 
statue and base together being 32 feet high. 

14 



Tn the dedication a^remonies was included a pa- 
rade of military, which embraced the First Division 
of Pennsylvania Volunteers under Major General 
Provost and four brigades under Brigadier General 
John P. Bankson, J. William Hoflfman, William B. 
Thomas and Louis Wagner. 

FREDERICK GRAFF. 

Memorial bust of Frederick Graff, — the origina- 
tor and designer of the Fairmount Water Works — a 
Gothic canopy monument and bust, enected in the 
garden south of 5the fore bay by the City Councils 
in 1848. 

MARBLE DRINKING FOUNTAIN. 

On the walk leading northward from the Lincoln 
Monument, at the southeast corner of Lemon Hill. 

IRON DRINKING FOUNTAIN. 

Elm Tree — Near the Humboldt Monument ; plac- 
ed in 1871, cast in Philadelphia. 

FIVE FOUNTAINS. 

Bron2icd iron ; cast in Paris, France. Purchased 
by the Park Art Association ; placed near the Lin- 
coln Monument. Accepted by the Commission De- 
cember 8, 1877. 

TWO SPRAY FOUNTAINS. 

After those in the Champs Elysee — cast in Paris ; 
situated on northeast corner of plot of ground near 
the Lincoln Monument. 

HUMBOLDT MO'NUMENT. 

Monument statue in bronze to the memory of 
Alexander von Humboldt ; was presented by th6 
German Society of Philadelphia. Is situated on a 
knoll overlooking the bridge at the southeast corner 
of Girard avenue and the upper drive from Lemon 
Hill. Cornerstone was laid September 13, 1869; 
dedicated !in 1871. 

15 



JEANNE D'ARC. 

Equestrian statue of Jeanue D'Arc ; bronze ; by 
Fremiet. The sculptor's more mature conception 
of the same subject that he erected in 1874 — Place 
de Piramides, Paris. Accepted by the Commis- 
sion of Fairmount Park, November 15, 1890. 

MORTON McMICHAEL. 

Morton McMichael was the president of the Park 
Commission. This spirited public citizen was iden- 
tified with every public movement that could be of 
advantage to his native city during ^ space of fifty 
years ; an ejloquent orator, a chaste and elegant writ- 
er and a steadfast friend. 'He was well known for 
his genial sentiment, wit, and amiability of dispo- 
sition. After his death his friends erected to his 
memory the bronze statue at the east side of the 
drive from Lemon iHill to Girard avenue bridge, 
in 1882. 

SILENUS AND THE INFANT BACHUS. 

Supposed to be the work of Praxiteles, the most 
famous of the ancient Greek sculptors. Reproduc- 
ed in bronze by Barbedienne, Paris, France, fraii 
the original in Louvre. Purchased by the Paik 
Art Association. Erected on a pedestal of granite, 
on the east sid^ of the main drive, (half way be\ 
tween Fairmount avienue entrance and Brown street 
entrance of the Old Park, in November, 1885. 

HEROIC BUST OF JAMES A. 

GARFIELD AND ALLEGORICAL FIGURE 

At the foot of Lemon Hill on the river front. In 
bronze, by Augustus St. Gaudens. Accepted by the 
Commission of Fairmount Park, unveiled with 
imposing ceremonies on Memorial Day, May 30, 
1896, at 8 o'clock in the evening. Between the pilas- 
ters of granite is the (figure of a woman in bronze 
of heroic size — typical of America — young, strong, 

16 



dignified — holding in her hand the sword and palm, 
symbolical of Garfield's life, and bearing his nam)e 
on the shield which she holds in front of her. Sur, 
mounting four square granite pilasters is the bust 
of Garfield, of heroic size. The main pedestal is 
4 feet wide, 3 feet de/ep and 17 feet high, resting 
upon a base 9 feet square, the secondary base pro- 
jecting to carry the emblematic figures. The main 
pedestal is flanked by four squane Ionic pilasters. 
The material is pink Milford granite and the style 
of the pedestal is pure /Greek. 

THE WRESTLERS. 

Reproduced in bronze by Barbidienne, in Paris, 
France ; from the original antique in the Royal Gal- 
lery of Florence, Italy. Presented .to the associa- 
tion by Mr. A. J. Drexel. Mounted on a pedestal 
of granite ; on the west side of the main drive at 
the foot of Demon Hill, near Brown street entrance, 
Old Park, in November, 1885. 

LION FIGHTERS. 

Colossal equestrian group ; bronze ; by Professor 
Albert 'Wolf, of Berlin. Cast by Bureau Bros., in 
1893. Placed on natural jutting rock on the Ea^ 
River Drive above Girard avenue bridge, in June, 
1897. 

HEROIC EQUESTRIAN STATUE OF 
GENERAL U. S. GRANT. 

Bronze; by D. Ch. French and Edw. C. Potter; 
a commission from the association ; erected by 
means of special subscription, together with an ap- 
propriation by the City Councils of Philadelphia ; 
unveiled on "Grant Day," Thursday, April 27, 1899. 
Cast by Bureau Bros., Philadelphia, and mounted 
on a pedestal of 'Jonesboro granite. 

The unveiling ceremonies were participated in by 
His Excellency, William McKinley, President of 

17 



the United States ; members of his Cabinet, Mrs. 
U. S. Grant (widow of General Grant) and mem- 
bers of her family, Major General Miles and many 
distinguished guests, both in military and civil life. 
The monument is located at the intersection of the 
East Park River Drive and Fountain Green Drive 
in Fairmount Park. 

FOUNTAIN OF ORESTES AND PYLADES. 

Modeled by Carl Steinhaeuser, Carlsruhe, Ger- 
many. Cast in .^bronze in Philadelphia ; erected on 
a pedestal of polished granite with four bronze 
masks, etc., near Columbia avenue entrance, East 
Park. From Park Art Association. Accepted by the 
Commission of Fairmount Park, May lo, 1884. 

GRAND FOUNTAIN. 

Twenty-five feet high, with full size life figures ; 
purchased in France by the Fairmount Park Art 
Association ; cost $8650 ; set up in East Park, near 
Dauphin street entrance, in 1880. 

THE MEDICINE MAN. 

Equestrian statue of an Indian ; bronze, by Cyrus 
E. Dallin. Purchased by the association and erect- 
ed in the ^East Park at the head of Strawberry Hill, 
near Dauphin strteet entrance. Pedestal of red 
Westerly granite ; unveiled December 10, 1903, and 
formally presented to the city of Philadelphia and 
the Commission of Fairmount Park at the thirty- 
second annual meeting of the association. 

HORSE TROUGH. 

Italian marble ; presented by Clarence S. Kates, 
accepted by the Commissioners of Fairmount Park 
on December 15, 1878, and placed on the Wissa- 
hickon Drive near the site of the Old Log Cabin. 

WILLIAM PENN. 

Statue of Indian marble, made by Ezekiel (sculp- 
tor of the group, "Religious Liberty") on Mon 

18 



Rinkle's Rock, Wissahickon ; presented by Hon. 
John Welsh, Park Commissioner. 

GRAND FOUNTAIN. 

Granite, presented to the Fairmount Park Art 
Association by Mrs. R. D. Wood ; set up in 1878 on 
the Wissahickon. 

THE FIRST FOUNTAIN. 

So called, stands upon the site of the road on the 
west side of tha Wissahickon, half a mile below the 
Indian Rock Hotel. \A. clear, cold mountain spring 
is carried by a spout, covered with .a lion's head, 
from a niche in a granite front, Kvith pilasters and 
pediment, with marble basin. The construction 
bears the date 1854. It was the gift of John Cook, 
a gentleman residing near Wissahickon. 



WEST PARK 

NIGHT. 

Bronze statue, presented to the Fairmount Park 
Association by Edwin N. Benson ; set up at 
George's Hill in 1872. 

ROMAN CATHOLIC 
CENTENNIAL FOUNTAIN. 

This is a great combination of statuary groups ; 
grand fountain and sub-fountains ; erected by the 
Catholic Total Abstinence Societies of Philadelphia 
in 1876. The central statue is Moses ; secondary 
statues — Bishop John Carroll, of Baltimore; Com- 
modore John Barry, of the Revolutionary Navy; 
Father Theobald Mathew (Irish apostle of temper- 
ance), and Charles Carroll, of Carrollton ; figures 
in colossal size ; erected in 1876. The sculptor was 
Herman Kern. 

19 



SOLDIERS' MONUMENT. 

North of Belmont avenue, dedicated May 8, 
1909, to the soldiers and sailors of the Civil War; 
in memory of the members of the Coiirtland and 
Saunders Post, No. 21, G. A. R., Dep. Pa. 

CHRISTOPHER COLUMBUS. 

In 1876 the Italian citizens of Philadelphia erect- 
ed a statue monument in marble, representing the 
great Genoese navigator. It is of heroic size, a 
standing figure, the right hand ilssting on a globe 
and the left hand holding a chart. An anchor and 
rope at the foot of the figure is emblematic of the 
career of the great sailor. On the pede'stal is the 
name of Columbus with bas-reli/efs representing the 
landing of Columbus on his discovery of the coast 
of America, and the coats-of-arms 'of the United 
States and of Italy. This handsome work stands 
on the west side of Belmont avenue, facing the 
Sunken Gardens and Horticultural Hall. 

These thrive pieces from fortifications in Cuba 
are ornamented with carved decorations, including 
the Royal Arm of Spain as employed by Philip V. 
and his queen, Elizabeth Farnese. Presented to 
Fairmount Park by the Park Art Association, in 
1889, and placed in front of the Columbus Monu- 
ment on Belmont avenue : 

Bronze Spanish Cannon, Miltiades, date I743- 

Bronze Spanish Cannon, Semiramis, date 1737. 

Bronze Spanish Mortar, date 1731. 

GOETHE. 

On the eastern side of the Sunken Gardens, north 
of Hortciultural Hall; figure in bronze, standing, 
Inscription, ''Gewidmet von den Deutschen Phila- 
delphias, 1890." 

SCHILLER. 

On the western side of the Sunken Gardens, 
20 



near Horticultural Hall ; figure in bronze, standing. 
Inscription, ''Gewidmet von dem Canstatter Volks 
Fest Verein, 1886." 

DREXEL MONUMENT. 

South of Btelmont avenue. Statue 'of Anthony 
Drexel (founder of the Drexel Institute), in a sit- 
ting position. Inscription, "A son of (Philadelphia 
who did honor his native city by the uprightness 
of his life, his integrity and generous interest in the 
public welfare." (1826-1893). 

PEGASUS LED BY CALLIOPE and 

PEGASUS AND CLIO. 

TwO' groups in bronze, Jn)i:roic size, purchased by 
Robert E. Gratz and others and presented to the 
Park in 1872 ; set upon a pedestal at the approaches 
to Memorial Hall. 

RELIGIOUS LIBERTY 

This is an allegorical group, representing Lib- 
erty protecting Religion. It was erected by the 
Jewish Society of B'nai B'rith and is a tribute by 
the people of the Jewish faith to the toleration 
which has always been extended to them in this 
country. A female figure in armor represents the 
genius of Liberty. A mantle fastened at the neck 
falls from the left arm, which is uncovered. On 
the armor is a breastplate on which is wrought 
the shield of the United States. The Phrygian 
cap of Liberty, bordered with thirteen stars, is 
on the head of the figure. In her left hand she 
holds the Constitution supported by fasces. 

The figure at the right side represents a youth, 
slightly draped, with upraised face. One hand is 
stretched to heaven holding an urn, in which burns 
the sacred flame. 

At tlie base of the group an eagle is represent- 
21 



cd with its talons buried in a serpent, signifying 
the destruction of slavery. 

This beautiful monument stands upon a central 
plot, opposite the east front of the Horticultural 
Hall. The pedestal and statue stand 25 feet in 
height. The group in marble was executed in 
Rome by Ezekiel, an American sculptor. 

JOHN WITHERSPOON, D. D., LL. D. 

In West Fairmount Park; monument statute in 
bronze ; sculptor, J. A. Bailly. This memorial, in 
honor of a patriot of the Revolution and signer of 
Declaration of Independence, was erected prin- 
cipally by the aid of subscription among the mem- 
bers of the Presbyterian denomination. The cost 
was $25,000. The figure is in the dress of Colon- 
ial times, over which is thrown a clergyman's gown 
or cloak. Stands 25 feet high. 

VERDI. 

The eminent ItaHan composer, situated east of 
Horticultural Hall, erected by the Colonia di Phil- 
adelphia. 

FRANZ SCHUBERT. 

Bust, grand prize awarded to the United Ger- 
man Singers of Philadelphia. Newark Saengerfest 
1891, presented to the Park Commission. 

JOSEPH HAYDN. 

Grand prize awarded to the United German 
Singers of Philadelphia; Newark Saengerfest, 1906, 
presented to the Park Commission. 

I'HE HUDSOiN BAY GRAY WOLVES. 

In bronze, wolves quarrelling over the carcass of 
a deer. By Edwin Kemeys, presented by the Fair- 
mount Park Association, set up in 1872 at the 
side of the Lansdowne drive, West Park. 

22 



DIANA BORGHESI. 

Terra cotta statue; presented to the Park Art 
Association, December, 1876 by Messrs. H. Doul- 
ton and Company, London, England. Placed in 
Horticultural Hall, 1876. 

IL PENSERO. 

Marble statue by Mozier, purchased by the Park 
Art Association ; accepted by the Commissioners 
of the Park, January 10, 1874. Placed in the Horti- 
cultural Hall. 

MAJOR GENERAL GEORGE GORDON 

MEADE 

the victor of the three days' battle of Gettys- 
burg, which decided the fate of the Civil War. 
Heroic equestrian statue. The United States 
Government donated a number of captured can- 
nons, and the Legislature of the State of Pennsyl- 
vania appropriated the sum of $5000 towards the 
the expense of the granite pedestal; special sub- 
scription largely aided by the Women's Auxiliary 
Committee completed the sum necessary for its 
erection. Cast by the Henry-Bonnard Company; 
mounted on a pedestal of Pennsylvania granite; 
accepted by the Commission of Fairmount Park, 
October 18, 1887. and unveiled with ceremonies 
participated in by representatives of military and 
naval forces of the United States, the Grand Army 
of the Republic, the National Guard and by dis- 
tinguished citizens. 

MONUMENTAL MEMORIAL. 

Two large columns with archway, In memory 
oi Pennsylvanians who distinguished themselves in 
the Civil War. Provided by the will of Richard 
Smith, whose bequest for the purpose was $500,- 
000. and who provided that it be erected under 
the auspices of the Park Art Association. Inscrip- 

23 



tions: "Their strife was not for aggrandizement 
when conflict cleaved the North from the South; 
united again to enjoy the common heritage by the 
fathers of our country, resolving that thereafter all 
our people shall dwell together in unity." 
STONE AGE IN AMERICA. 

Indian group, bronze, by John J. Boyle. Mr. 
Boyle's spirited group represents an Indian moth- 
er defending her children from an attack of wild 
beasts. A bear's cub which she has killed with her 
stone hatchet, lies at her feet, and with baby clasped 
to her breast, she awaits the attack of the savage 
mother. 

The group is among the most masterly works 
which have been added to the works in the Park, 
and Mr. Boyle is undoubtedly, the first who has 
adequately presented the Indian's case in American 
Art. It w^as cast by Barbidienne, of Paris, and 
placed in the West Park, near the children's play- 
ground in 1888. 

THE DYING LIONESS. 

Bronze group by Professor Wilhelm Wolf, of 
Berlin; cast by Mueller in Munich, Germany; sy- 
enite pedestal; presented by the Fairmount Park 
Art Association in 1876; cost $4424; exhibited in 
the north front of the Zoological Garden. 

DIANA. 

Marble statue placed in the Horticultural Hall. 

LIONESS. 

Carrying to her young a wild boar; bronze; by 
August Cain. 

FLORENTINE LIONS. 

Bronzed iron; cast by Harrison, Winaus and 
Eastwick at the Imperial Mechanical works at 
Alexandrofifsky, Russia, 1849; ^^^m the pair at the 
entrance to the Imperial Works, which, no doubt, 

24 



were reproduced from those at the entrance to the 
Loggia di Lanzi, Florence. Of the two hons, one 
is ancient, from the Villa Medica at Rome; the 
other an imitation by Flaminio Vacca. Presented 
to the Association by Mrs. A. W. Eastwick, wid- 
ow of a member of that firm. Accepted by the 
Commission of Fairmount Park, 1887, and placed 
near the Welsh Memorial in West Park. 

WELSH MEMORIAL. 

Fountain and Garden in front of Memorial 
Hall. This memorial is placed on the site where the 
main building of the Centennial Exhibition of 1876 
stood. Inscription: "John Welsh, whose benevo- 
lence, patriotism and good ability made him the 
leader and helper in good works. He dignified by 
his virtues, and adorned by the graces of his char- 
acter his many positions of honor and trust. He 
gave faithful service to his native city and to his 
country and was a benefactor to his fellowmen. 
As a memorial of his public services and private 
v/orth, his friends have placed this fountain and 
garden on the site of the Centennial Exhibition, 
1876, with which his name is inseparably identified. 
(1805- 1 886)." 

TAM O'SHANTER. 

Group in four figures in red sand stone by 
Thom. Transferred to the Park Art Association 
by the trustees of the Franklin Instiute. Accepted 
by the Commission of Fairmount Park, November 
10, 1877. 



25 



DESCRIPTION OF THE INTERESTING 

AND HISTORICAL BUILDINGS OF 

THE FAIRMOUNT PARK 

LEMON HILL MANSION. 



m 



^ ^^ HE "Hills of Schuylkill" as it was 
I / "I called, was part of the Springetts- 

bury Farm, and consisted of 80 
acres of land, purchased from F. 
)f>,^^*^^*^^^ Francis, July, 1770, by Robert Mor- 
ris, who was living there until 1798. 
It included the whole of Lemon Hill and Sedgeley. 
The house on Lemon Hill was built by Robert 
Morris. It was his favorite resort from business 
cares. 

This property was sold by the sheriff at the 
suit of the Pennsylvania Insurance Company, in 
1799. The estate was sold in two parcels, Henry 
Pratt buying the southern portion. He improved 
the place very much and it was kept in very ele- 
gant order. Mr. Pratt tore down the Morris 
liouse and built the one at present standing. After 
his death in 1838, Lemon Hill was bought by the 
Bank of the United States for $225,000 and was 
finally sold in 1840 to the city for $75,000. 

This beautiful part of the Park is one of the 
most popular resorts in summer, when concerts 
are given in the open air. The amphitheatre con- 
tains over 3000 seats. Here visitors enjoy the 
fine concerts amid surroundings of extraordinary 
beauty and historic associations. Lemon Hill is 
rich in monuments and works of art, — in this part 
of the park are the McMichael Monument, Hum- 
boldt Monument, Lincoln Monument, Silenus and 
the Infant Bachus, Garfield Bust, etc. 

SEDGELEY GUARD HOUSE 

was once the stable and offices of the Sedgeley 
mansion, which stood east of it. It was originally 

26 



the northern portion of the Hill's estate, belonging 
to Robert Morris and was separated from the lat- 
ter in the sheriff's sale on the 25th of March, 1799; 
was bought by William Grammond, who built a 
country house in the Gothic style. Sedgeley be- 
came the property of Samuel Mifflin in 1806, and 
of James Cowles Fisher in 1812. 

LOG CABIN OCCUPIED BY GENERAL U. 
S- GRANT 

as his headquarters at City Point during the 
Campaign in Virginia, 1864-65. Presented by cit- 
izens in 1865 and removed to the East Park, south- 
west of Sedgeley Guard House. 

MOUNT PLEASANT. 

North of Girard avenue bridge, in the East 
Park, nearly opposite Lansdowne, on the west 
side of the Schuylkill, is Mount Pleasant, built 
in 1 761 by Captain John McPherson, a merchant 
and mariner. He was the father of Captain John 
McPherson, of the Revolutionary Army, who was 
killed at the Siege of Quebec. John Adams, mem- 
ber of the First Congress, speaks enthusistically 
of the beauty of the house and the richness of the 
entertainments. 

In 1777 the property was bought by Benedict 
Arnold (military commander, who made much 
money by illicit trade with the British of New 
York), for 16,420 pounds as marriage gift for 
his wife, Peggy Shippen. This property was con- 
fiscated by the State of Pennsylvania after Arnold's 
treason was discovered, subject to a life estate of 
his wife. The property was bought by Colonel 
Richard Hampton, purchased by Blair McClene- 
chan in 1783, sold in 1784 to Chief Justice Ed- 
win Shippen, the father of the wife of Benedict 
Arnold, and sold by him in 1792 to General Jon- 
othan Williams, the last owner in that line being 
his son Henry J. Williams, an eminent lawyer. 

27 



In this mansion Major General Frederick Wil- 
liam Augustus Baron von Steuben, Inspector Gen- 
eral of the Army under General Washington, resid- 
ed a number of years. 

ROCKLAND. 

W^est of Mount Pleasant. The estate belonged 
to John Lawrence and afterwards to Captain John 
McPherson. The mansion was built by George 
Thompson, a merchant, about 1810. Hie sold it in 
1816 to Isaac Jones, who, with his family, occu- 
pied it until the estate was taken for Park pur- 
poses. 

ORMISTON. 

Next to Rockland is Ormiston. This property 
belonged to James Galloway before the Revolution. 
It was forfeited to the State in consequence of his 
treason ; bought by the trustees of the University 
of Pennsylvania, and sold to General Joseph Reed, 
once president of the Supreme Executive Council. 
He sold it to Edwin Burd, son-in-law of Chief Jus- 
tide Shippen, who named it Ormiston, after the 
estate of his father in Scotland. Edward Shippen 
Burd's son occupied this property for many years. 

RANDOLPH. 

Next to Ormiston. Occupied for many years by 
Samuel Shoemaker, and afterwards from 1828 un- 
til 1836, by Dr. Philip. (Later it was known for a 
number of years under the name of "Edgely" — 
now the name "Randolph" has been given to it. 

STRAWBERRY MANSION. 

William Lewis, lawyer, lived for some years at 
Summerville, which was the property immediately- 
south of the present Laurel Hill. It was after- 
wards occupied by Judge Hemphill, and after it 
was abandoned as a place of summer residence, it 
was called "Strawberry ^lansion." It was from 

28 



1835 a favorite place for picnics, and when it be- 
came park property it was established as a restau- 
rant. Concerts are given here during the summer 
months. 

WOODFORD MANSION. 

Situated near Ridge avenue, north of the Park 
trolley entrance. It was built by William Coleman, 
the friend of Benjamin Franklin, who planted here 
some trees known under the name ''Franklin 
Trees," of which one 'as still standing. During the 
Revolution the property came into the possession 
of David Franks. 

RITTENHOUSE BUILDING 

In the Wissahickon Valley there are two old 
mansions we could 'hardly omit. One of them is 
the Rittenhousfe Building, in which the astronomer 
Rittenhouse was born — the other 

LIVEZEY HOUSE. 

This old building, the property of the Livezey 
family for more than a century before it was included 
in the Park, was, during the Revolution, a sort of 
neutral territory, where British and American of- 
ficers met and forgot, in the company of charming 
ladies, that they werei at war with each other. 

BELMONT. 

Proptrty north of Lansdowne. Purchased by 
William Peters, brother of the Rev. Richard Pe- 
ters — from the widow of Daniel Jones, by deed of 
July 4, 1742. Th6 tract contained 220 acres. Mr. 
Peters ertcted a small stone house with a bay at 
the southern end, in a fine situation, with a grand 
view of the Schuylkill. It was probably "fitnished in 
1743. Mr. Peters called the place "Belmont" and 
resided tlVere until about .the Revolution, when the 
use of the property was assigned to his son, Rich- 
ard, afterwards Judge of the ?Jnited States Dis- 

29 



trict Court. It is not known when the large man- 
sion on the north side of the original PeUers' house 
was built. 

As long as the Judge resided there, the house 
was the resort of the most eminent men, famous in 
American history and politics. Richard Peters was 
born yin 1744, and died in 1828. During the Revo- 
lutionary War he was captain of a militia company 
1775-1776; secretary to the Continental Board of 
War 1 776- 1 78 1 : was a member of Congress 1782- 
1783. (The admirality law of the United States 
may be said to owe him its origin) ; was United 
States District Judge from 1792- 1828. He was a 
remarkable man for his dry humor, his witty re- 
partee and brilliant social qualities. During the 
Revolution his aid and judgment were invaluable. 
In his garden there were two trees planted by Wash- 
ington and Lafayette. He was one of the founders 
of Philadtelphia Agriculture Society, and its presi- 
dent for more than 30 years. He demonstrated by 
a series of experiments the agricultural value of 
gypsum, and also introduced the cultivation of 
clover. 

The Park Commission bought this property in 
1867, and established it as a restaurant, a (pavilion 
was then erected west of the mansion. 

The scenery from Belmont Mansion towards the 
Schuylkill and surroundings is beautiful. In 1870- 
1871 a new walk, twelve feet in width, of artificial 
stone, was ppened through a highly picturesque ra- 
vine, to which was given the name ''Belmont Glen." 
It extends from Belmont Mansion to the Belmont 
station of the Reading Railway near the bank of 
the Schuylkill. The length of the walk is 2640 
feet, following for some distancJe the meandering 
of a hillside brook, bordered by several springs in- 
closed in stone basins. 

MONTPELLIER. 

Built by George Plumstead about 1802, after- 
30 



wards occupied by Benjamin Johnson. The Park 
Commissioners gave the place the name "Cha- 
mounix'' 

MICHEAUX GROVE 

Was plantfcd 1 870-1 871 near the northwestern 
line of Lansdowne drive. It comprises sixteen spe- 
cies of oaks, selected for their adaptability to the 
soil and climate. 

GEORGE'S HILL. 

One of the brightest spots in the Park at the 
northwestern end is George's Hill. While the 
Commissioners of the Park were busily engaged 
in carrying out their work, thfey were surprised by 
an unexpected vact of generosity in the gift to them 
and to the city by Jesse George and his sister, Re- 
becca George, of that lofty piece of ground west of 
the assigned Park boundaries which was known as 
George's Hill. At that time Jesse George was 
over 82 years of age and his sister was also of ad- 
vanced age. In his communication to the Park 
Commissioners Mr. George stated that the ground 
had been in uninterrupted possession of his ancestors 
for many generations, and from the original settle- 
mient of the country. "Considering the benefits 
which a public park will secure for the health, rec- 
reation and enjoyment of the citizens of Philadel- 
phia, I have determined this disposition would be 
useful to the .people. My sister, Rebecca George, 
is a joint owner with me in that portion which be- 
longed to this estate, and she joins with me in 
making the same offer." The ground was 83 acres, 
situate at such a lofty altitude as to overlook thie 
city of Philadelphia in the distance. The condi- 
tions were that annuities of $4000 per year should 
be paid to Jesse and Rebecca George during their 
respective lives. These payments were not many. 
Rebecca George died Novembeir 10, 1869, aged 78 
years, and Jesse George died February 14, 1873, 

31 



and the whole property came into possession of the 
city. By resolution it was determined that this 
portion of :the Park should be forever known as 
"George's Hill." 

LANSDOWNE MANSIO'N. 

Where the Horticutural Hall stands formerly 
stood one of the grandest mansions and one of his- 
toric interest. Though of later years in ruins, it 
should have been restored to its former appearance 
on account of its association, but the Commission 
razed it to the ground. This building was called 
Lansdowne Mansion, the estate of which was once 
so elegantly adorned and thfe home of much state- 
liness and festivity. The estate originally consist- 
ed of 142 acres on the west side of the Schuylkill 
and was owned by the Rev. William Smith. He 
sold it to John Penn (son of Richard Penn and 
grandson of William Penn), the last of the Gover- 
nors of the Province of Pennsylvania under Eng- 
lish rule. He added other tracts and thus increas- 
ed the estate to about 200 acres. Tile property ad- 
joined the Peters' estate at Belmont. 

Penn erected a stone mansion of magnificent pro- 
portion, mainly in Italian style. It consisted of a 
main building with recessed wings and a two-story 
portico, each story supported by pillars of Ionic or- 
der and surmounted with a pediment : a large bay- 
window projected from each end. The approach 
to the house was by an avenile of trees of great ex- 
tent. The grounds were undulating, beautifully 
laid out and with fine old trees and romantic glens 
and ravines in somewhat of its wilderness. 

After the death of ex-Governor Penn, in 1795, his 
widow, formerly Ann Allen, deeded the property 
to James Greenleaf, a merchant, who, though sup- 
posed to have great wealth, failied in speculation in 
real estate, and his property of Lansdowne was 
sold by the sheriff in 1797. William Bingham pur- 
chased it for $55,000. 

32 



From this time but for a few years only, it was 
the seat of hospitahty and eVjgance. Its wealthy 
and fashionable owners entertained the highest in 
the land ; Washington, Adams, Jefferson and other 
distinguished American and foreign statem»2n were 
entertained here. The Lansdowne Mansion has 
been occupied by the ex-King of Spain, Joseph 
Bonaparte, in 1816-1817. This building was cie- 
stroyed by fire in 1854. 

HORTICULTURAL HALL. 

One of the most interesting buildings of the Park 
is Horticultural Hall, containing rare plants from 
tropical climates — South America, Africa and Asia. 
The building is built of brick, stone, iron and 
glass : style Moresque ; situate at the head of Foun- 
tain avenue on the north side of Lansdowne Val- 
ley and northeast of Memorial Hall ; fireproof ; 
length, east and west 383 feet ; width, 193 feet ; 
height to top of lantern, y^ feet ; architect, H. J. 
Schwarzman ; builder, John Rice: cost, $251,937. 

MEMORIAL HALL. 

The most imposing building in the Park is Me- 
morial Hall, an art gallery containing art works of 
every description. It was built the year before the 
Centennial Exhibition, 1875 ; composed of granite, 
brick, glass and iron and is situated immediately 
north of ithe main building of the old Exhibition 
Grounds and south of Lansdowne Glen ; building, 
east and west, 365 feet ; height of walls, 39 feet. 
The dome over the rotunda rises 150 feet above 
the ground. It was cappltd by a colassal bell upon 
which stood an emblematic figure of Columbia — 
cast in zinc. This figure was taken down some time 
after the Centennial year, as it was found to be 
sinking, and there were fears that it might break 
through the dome. 

The plan consisted of a centre building, open 
arcades east and west of the main entrance and 
; 33 



closed pavilions at the corners. The exterior was 
decorated with statuary and many ornaments. 
Architect, H. J. Schwarzman ; builder, H. J. Dob- 
bins ; cost $1,500,000. 

WILLIAM PENN HOUSE. 

Built in 1682 ; it is believed to have been the first 
brick building in Philadelphia. Penn resided in it 
during a part of his first visit. It was the first 
State House of the Province, and originally stood 
on the Governor's lot between Second and Front 
street and below Market street, fronting on what 
is now Letitia street. In 1883 it was removed to 
Fairmount Park on the knoll southwest of Lans- 
downe Drive, near Girard avenue. 

EAGLESFIELD MANSION. 

On the wtst side of the Schuylkill north of Gi- 
rard avenue bridge and south of *' Sweet Briar" 
there stood the Eaglesfield Mansion, in so far of 
historical interest as it was built by James Green- 
leaf, the partner of Robert Morris in the North 
American Land Co., who caused the financial ruin 
of Robert Morris. 

SOLITUDE. 

South of Girard avenue was the villa of John 
Penn — son of Thomas Penn and grandson of Wil- 
liam Penn. Penn came to Pennsylvania to look af- 
ter his family interests in 1784 and bought ground 
oppositts "The Hills" — fifteen acres for 600 pounds 
sterling. Here he built the little two-story house, 
still standing, and occupied by the officers of the 
Zoological Society. The house was finished in 
1785. 
SWEET BRIAR. 

Northwest of Lansdowne entrance near Girard 
avenue bridge ; built by Samuel Breck in 1798. He 
occupied this mansion for many years. A beautiful 

34 



view can be obtained from here toward the river 
and Lemon Hill. 

ZOOLOGICAL GARDEN. 

The Zoological Society was incorporated in 1859 
by the General Assembly, and a site was assigned 
to it in Fairmount Park under the Act of Incorpo- 
ration. The place provided was in the West Park, 
north of the Spring Garden Waterworks and south 
of Girard avenue, near the Pennsylvania R. 
R. In June, 1873, the Commissioners assigned to 
the use of the society the property known as "Soli- 
tude" which formerly belonged to Thomas Penn 
— portion of its ground south of Girard avenue, 
portion of the Spring Hill and Yarnall estates. Thfc 
society entered upon the property, constructed large 
and attractive buildings for various kinds of ani- 
mals and the ground was opened in 1874. The 
Zoological Garden at present is one of the largest 
in this country and is one of the great attractions 
of the Park. 



35 




ANY a visitor, taking a trip to the 
Park, to enjoy in his leisure hours 
the pure air and b/eautiful scenery, 
scarcely imagines that these same 
grounds are of great historic inter- 
est — perhaps more than any in the 
United States as far as they relatie to the liberation 
of the Colonies from British misrule. 

It was fortunate for the country that about that 
time — now nearly 150 years ago — a number of un- 
usually great men were living, each of whom did 
his full sharfc to accomplish that great task — to 
make the country the land of liberty. It seems to 
us now almost an impossibility, if we consider the 
circumstances which then existed. 

The pioneer colonist had hardly time (under oc- 
casional attacks from the Indians) to cultivate his 
land ; still, as soon as independence was declared, 
he left his home and his family to offer his life for 
the freedom of his country. How disproportion- 
ate ! Poor colonists against British wealth ; un- 
trained voluntasrs against regular British soldiers. 

It was the wisdom of those great men, the lead- 
ers of the Revolution, which found means to over- 
come all obstacles and which brought at last suc- 
cess. 

It was December, 1776, when Washington wrote 
to Robert Morris from above Trenton, that unless 
he had a certain amount of specie at once, he would 
be unable to keep the army together and could not 
foretell the result. Robert Morris, of Lemon Hill, 
on his personal credit, borrowed a sufficient sum, 
forwarded it to Washington, and enabk-d him to 
finish the victory of the Hessians at Trenton by his 
success at Princeton. When the sky looked dark, 
when reverses had to be borne, when (enemies were 
in the midst of us (even on the same ground — Ben- 
edict Arnold, James Galloway, etc., who took part 
with the British), our great patriots wiere full of 

36 



activity and self-confidence in their struggle for 
right. 

An eminent man at that time was Richard Pe- 
ters, of Belmont, secretary of the Continental Board 
of War, of whom it is said that during the R/evo- 
lution his aid and judgment were invaluable. 

Benjamin Franklin, who many times visited 
these grounds (the trees he planted there are still 
standing), was in Frande at that time and fulfilled 
his great mission — alliance with France. What 
grteat satisfaction must it have been for him, after 
his return from France to see in his old age that 
his work had borne fruit, which caused the victory 
of our army and the entire defeat of the British. 

When peace was restored Robert Morris was 
chosen a delegate to the memorable convention 
which met in Philadelphia, May 25, 1787, and 
frarmed the Constitution of the United States. Dur- 
ing the whole session Washington was the guest 
of Robert Morris at Lemon Hill. Washington also 
frequently visited Judge Richard Peters at his 
home in Belmont, where he took gneat delight in 
the beautiful gardens. 

The greatest men of the country are associated 
with these intenesting grounds, now all included in 
the Philadelphia Fairmount Park — cause enough 
for every Philadelphian to feel proud of this beau- 
tiful and historic spot. 



37 




Jeanne D'Ai 




Lincoln Monument 




Major General George Gordon Meade 




Schiller Statue 




Bust of Verdi 




Humboldt Monument 




Statue Christopher Columbus 



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Equestrian Statue of Gen'l U. S. Grant 




William Penn House 





Morton McMichael 




Heroic Bust of James Garfield 




Religious Liberty 




John Witherspoon, D.D., L.L.D. 




Goethe Statue 



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One copy del. to Cat. Div. 



